Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
By Daniel O. Lee, MD, Neurologist, East Carolina Neurology

As published in Community Focus, a Pitt County Memorial Hospital Publication, Spring 2006

Alzheimer’s Disease, the most common form of dementia, affects as many as 5 million elderly Americans. The disease usually begins after age 60, and the risk increases with age. Nearly half of seniors over the age of 85 have the disease.

The condition is named for Dr. Alois Alzheimer, who in 1906 discovered post-mortem changes in the brain tissue of a woman who died of a dementing illness. He found plaques and tangles of fibrous tissue in her brain. The presence of these abnormal structures is now considered the criteria for diagnosing Alzheimer’s disease.

We do not fully understand what causes Alzheimer’s, but we suspect that a number of different physical issues may be involved. Age is the most important known risk factor. The number of people with the disease doubles every five years after age 65. Family history also plays a role.

Education, diet and environment are also implicated as risk factors for Alzheimer’s disease. We are seeing increasing evidence that some of the conditions that increase the risk of heart disease and stroke, such as high blood pressure, cholesterol and low blood level of folate, may also increase the likelihood that a person will develop Alzheimer’s. In addition, evidence is mounting that physical, mental and social activities may provide some protection from the disease.

What are the symptoms?
At first, the only symptom may be mild forgetfulness. People may have trouble remembering recent events, activities or the names of familiar people or things. They may not be able to solve simple math problems, but symptoms usually are not serious enough to cause alarm.

As the disease goes on, however, symptoms are more easily noticed and become serious enough to cause the affected person and the family to seek medical help. In the middle stages of the disease, people may forget how to do simple tasks like brushing their teeth or combing their hair. They can no longer think clearly. They fail to recognize familiar people and places. They begin to have problems speaking, understanding, reading or writing. Later on, they may become anxious or aggressive, or wander away from home. Eventually, these patients need total care.

Can Alzheimer’s be treated?
On average, patients with Alzheimer’s live from eight to 10 years after they are diagnosed, though some people may survive for as many as 20 years. No treatment can stop Alzheimer’s, but some FDA-approved drugs are now available that may slow its course, particularly in the early and middle stages of the disease. In addition, some medicines may help control behavioral symptoms such as sleeplessness, agitation, wandering, anxiety and depression. Treating these symptoms often makes patients more comfortable and reduces the burden on caregivers.If you suspect that a loved one may have Alzheimer’s disease, it is important to contact a physician promptly. Families who are caring for Alzheimer’s patients will want to consider all options for support and treatment. Home health and respite care can sometimes allow families to delay moving the patient to a nursing or Alzheimer’s facility that provides ‘round the clock care. Planning ahead can make the course of the disease less traumatic for the patient and family as well.